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India can bounce back in Asia Cup: Kris

The India chief selector believes the Asia Cup triumph can erase the ignominy of the recent past.

Chennai: The disastrous tour of Australia notwithstanding, Indian cricket team was capable of bouncing back in the ongoing Asia Cup, feels Selection Committee chairman Krishnamachari Srikkanth.

"We have to accept the fact that cricket is a game, sometimes there are ups, sometimes there are downs. But I am sure we will always come back," Srikkanth said here on Monday.

Talking to the reporters on the sidelines of the launch of an online training course on employability - jointly brought out by his Sun Online India Private Limited and Micro Small Medium Enterprises Development Institute of the Union Government - Srikkanth said the ongoing four-nation Asia Cup in Bangladesh was very important for the Indian cricket.

"This particular tournament is an important one as far as Indian cricket is concerned. In the Indian cricketing history itself we have always bounced back and done well. I am sure the Indians will bounce back," he said.

Asked if a win against Pakistan in the ongoing series will change the mood of the Indian cricket fans, who are left distraught by the poor show Down Under, Srikkanth replied in the affirmative.

"Definitely yes, Asia cup is an important tournament and as you all know a prestigious trophy. I think any win will definitely boost the morale of cricket in any part of the world including India and I am sure Indian team will do well."

Meanwhile, former captain Sourav Ganguly also believes India have the ability to defend the title.

"India have the team to win the Cup. They need to lift their confidence after two bad tours. My only worry with the India is their bowling," he said.

Ganguly said India should be wary of Sri Lanka.

"Sri Lanka are a good team and they are playing well at the moment. Pakistan looked a bit vulnerable the other day against Bangladesh," he said.

India will start their Asia Cup campaign Tuesday against Sri Lanka and are scheduled to meet Bangladesh on March 16, before playing archrivals Pakistan on March 18.